22nd January 2014
Four of the eight Highland Young Musicians groups began rehearsals last weekend as they work towards their Concerts Festival which takes place on Saturday 8th March 2014 in Eden Court Theatre.
Members of the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra begin this part of their season under the baton of their new Conductor Jean-Claude Picard who is the Assistant Conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO).
The first rehearsal also saw a number of RSNO musicians travel to Inverness to work with the Highland young folk as they start preparations for their public performance in March which will include excerpts from Bizet�s Carmen.
The collaboration is part of the RSNO�s Big Highland Residency which will culminate in a week-long visit to Highland at the end of March with many public and education events planned, details of which can be found on the RSNO website www.rsno.org.uk/ .
Norman Bolton, Music Development Officer for The Highland Council said: �The Highland Young Musician/RSNO collaboration this season has already brought many benefits to groups members and our own instrumental staff with the amount of professional and musical knowledge passed on during rehearsals. To be able to work with a Conductor of international standing is a great privilege and the trust shown by the RSNO in facilitating this is a credit to the work of the Highland Council�s Instrumental Tuition Service.�
In addition to the orchestral rehearsals, Highland Youth Choir; Highland Youth Pipe Band & C�isir G also began working towards their March programmes which will include some joint and innovative work between the Youth Choir and C�isir G, the Pipe Band and the ceilidh band �snas.
Chairman of the Council�s Adult and Children�s Services Committee, Councillor Alasdair Christie took the opportunity to highlight the dedication and hard work of the talented young performers as they prepare for their Concerts Festival. He said: �The musicians come from all parts of Highland and so opportunities for them to get together and rehearse are limited but despite the logistical difficulties they continue to produce music of the highest standard and are continually challenging themselves. They are a credit to themselves and all those who nurture and support their abilities. The event in March will be a great celebration of all their hard work and a great opportunity to showcase their talent.�
Information about Highland Young Musicians and the March Concerts Festival can be found at: www.highland-young-musicians.com and tickets for the Festival can be booked by contacting the Eden Court Theatre box office on 01463 234234 or visiting www.eden-court.co.uk.
PHOTO
Renowned Conductor Jean-Claude Picard who is working with the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra.